Orphans

Due to many decades of oppressive rule, armed conflicts, poor infrastructure and corruption, the development of the country has been slow. Many children are daily exposed to abuse, mistreatment, forced into child labor and forcibly recruited as child soldiers. Children in DR Congo experience things that children should never experience. Therefore, Shimama must ensure that children are allowed to be children.

A mother's love and care can never be replaced. All children deserve to feel that love and security. However, the reality in Congo is that more children become orphans due to various circumstances. Among the reasons we find poverty, as well as health conditions where access to important medicines and adequate follow-up of pregnant women is limited, due to poor health services. This is the main reason why many children in the Congo grow up without a mother or both parents.

Due to the widespread practice of home births, situations arise where mothers unfortunately lose their lives during childbirth. The overwhelming thought of replacing motherhood and raising the child alone can frighten the fathers, and many end up running away from responsibility and abandoning the children.

Shimama contributes with medical services for the children, food, clothes, toys, love and care, and not least schooling and education.

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Thanks to Vålerenga Football for contributing soccer kits and shorts.

Why do children become orphans?

But the biggest reason why children end up orphans is abuse against women. War and poverty are the reasons why the cruel acts find their way. Often, it is underage girls who have been victimized, as abuse against women is used as a weapon during war and conflicts. Due to poor healthcare and contraceptives, the girls have no choice but to give birth. This results in most of the children being abandoned after birth. Often they are found out on the street or in rubbish heaps.

Shimama therefore supports the centers that take care of orphans, or so-called unwanted children. We also extend a helping hand to the families and mothers who take in children who have lost their parents due to war, illness, at birth or children who are exposed to abuse.